How to disassemble the tensioner of the Mini R50

In this video we see how to disassemble the tensioner of the Mini R50: first of all we disconnect the battery, then we move to the passenger side and remove the fuel tank vent valve, which is located right above the tensioner. We press the tabs both top and bottom to remove the connections.

Under the valve, we will find an electrical plug that must be disconnected and removed. Now we will have to lift the front part of the car, and remove the front splash guard located under the front part.

We will then remove the upper cover of the airbox, the air filter, the air supply tubes and the lower airbox; this is to access one of the bolts located on the transmission support. Now we will have to find a way to support the engine with a jack, because we will have to loosen the long 16mm bolt that secures the rubber transmission support to the bracket on the driver's side in the engine compartment.

Here we will find a radiator hose passing just below the intercooler; we will have to remove the clamp holding it in place. Now we will have to remove the upper mounting bracket on the passenger side, removing the nut and bolt securing the ground cable, then the bracket of the flexible hose, and the wheel arch supports.

Now we have to remove two long 10mm bolts that secure the tensioner arm, in order to remove it from the engine.